Following Gordon Hayward’s announcement that he will be moving to the Boston Celtics next season, the Salt Lake Cty faithful were understandably disappointed in him for leaving the Utah Jazz. He has received a lot of negative reactions from the team’s fans and even a subtle shot on social media from his former teammate, Rudy Gobert.

The French international center recently made it known, via Tim MacMahon of ESPN, that he wishes him well with his new team, but also wanted everyone to know that he wasn’t happy with how Hayward handled his departure. Gobert then added that he is now focused on the team, where he is expected to be the franchise player.

Article Continues Below
More Utah Jazz News
image thumbnail
Kendrick Perkins slams ‘vultures’ in Ace Bailey Jazz sagaMatty Breisch ·
Siegel's Scoop with Jonathan Kuminga, Myles Turner, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Anfernee Simons
Siegel’s Scoop: Latest Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga, NBA free agency intelBrett Siegel ·
thunder, thunder trade, oklahoma city thunder
3 Oklahoma City Thunder trade targets after winning 2025 NBA FinalsGarrett Kerman ·
Ace Bailey looks on after being selected as the fifth pick by the Utah in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center.
Jazz rumors: Ace Bailey’s Utah arrival confirmed after draftZachary Howell ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Dylan Harper (2) and Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks on during the second half against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Dylan Harper shares another side of Ace Bailey that should excite Jazz fansZachary Howell ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) looks to pass during the second half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jersey Mike's Arena.
Jazz rumors: Ace Bailey trade speculation gets shot down by Shams CharaniaJulian Ojeda ·

“You cannot be mad at somebody for wanting to play for another team. It's just the way he handled it, that's the thing I didn't like. I'm happy for him at the same time. I hope he's going to be happy over there and get what he's looking for.”

“To all his teammates, all the guys that he competed with for years, guys that sacrificed for him and for the team, not necessarily tell us but make sure as a team we can keep going forward if he leaves .I think that wasn't the best way to do it, but I'm over it now. I'm just focused on the team.”

The two have played with the Jazz the past four seasons and were big a big reason why they were able to make a playoff appearance this year and even reached the second round. Many thought Hayward will opt to stay put and build on the momentum they have following their successful run, but as it turned out, he felt his best chance of winning is with the C’s, which made him ultimately choose them instead.

With their teams meeting at least twice next season, it will be very interesting to see how they will compete against each other. One thing that’s certain at this point though is Gobert and the Jazz will play with a lot of pride, as they want to prove to Hayward that he made the wrong decision and that they can still win without him. The fans are also expected to be filled with emotion, especially when they see their former star donning the Celtics jersey.